On Christmas Eve by Thomas Kinkade

Author:Thomas Kinkade
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2015-08-12T04:00:00+00:00

LUCY WASN’T SURE HOW SHE HAD MANAGED TO WORK AT THE DINER ALL weekend and again on Monday until after the lunch rush, then drive up to Southport for her shift at the hospital. But somehow, to help Zoey, she did. In her own thoughts, though, she sometimes heard an echo of Charlie’s questions: Why are you so interested in this kid, Lucy? Why do you feel you need to go out of your way so much to help a total stranger?

Lucy wasn’t sure entirely. At first, it had seemed the right thing to do and she’d been touched by the child’s plight. Once she had gotten to know her, she could see that the girl had so much good in her, so much potential. And it would all go to waste if someone didn’t step in and help her. And of course, she cared about Zoey now. Her feelings were involved, which somehow made the matter more complicated and simpler at the same time.

During her break on Monday night she mulled over this question. It wasn’t really late, and it seemed a good time to check in with Rita Schuman, even though Lucy had to call the social worker at home. Lucy had promised to tell Rita how Zoey was doing at her new job.

“I’m just calling to let you know how Zoey is doing with the waitressing,” Lucy said when Rita picked up. “She started on Saturday, so today was her third full day working.”

“And how’s it going? Does she like it?” Rita asked.

“She didn’t seem to at first. She got a very surly customer right at the start, and I thought she was going to walk out,” Lucy confessed. “But we got over that hump and it’s been pretty smooth sailing since. I don’t think she’s crazy about the profession, but she does like the tips. And she hasn’t complained at all.”

“That’s good, very good.” Rita sounded pleased and a bit surprised, too. “Waitressing is hard work. But without a high school diploma, her job choices are very limited.”

“I’ve talked to her about that,” Lucy replied. “In fact, we talked a little about Zoey going back to school and trying that special program you mentioned. She didn’t say she would do it. Far from it, actually. But she agreed to let me ask you about it and get the information for her.”

“I’d be happy to drop that off and answer any questions,” Rita said. “I think that’s real progress, Lucy. She’s been very turned off to any effort in that direction. She seems to be doing very well with you, and in a short time, too.”

“Thanks,” Lucy said. “I’ve really enjoyed having her stay with us. How is the placement search going?” Lucy tried to keep her tone light, but she heard a note of anxiety seep through. She really wanted Zoey to stay through Christmas. It wasn’t even two weeks away.

“I’m still looking, though I haven’t found anything yet,” Rita reported.

“How quickly would Zoey need to leave if you did find a home for her?”

“Fairly quickly.

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